Dog Breed Checks

Dog lovers love their companions. Dogs are the most devoted friend one could have. They protect, play, and love us unconditionally. No matter what breed of dog you have its always fun browsing these cute, cuddly and playful puppy and dog designer checks.

Showcase your best friend in your checkbook today. Choose from our large selection of dog checks below or if you want to personalize your checks (with actual photos of your beloved friend) you can order custom dog photo checks. Save up to 50% off bank checks prices with these great check designs today!

The Domestication of Dogs

Anyone who has shared their life with a dog understands the saying that a dog is man’s best friend. The bond that can develop between humans and dogs is incredibly strong, and has been built over thousands of years. From their wolf origins to their pampered status of today, dogs have served their human companions well and continue to earn their top pet status.

Early History

The dog as we know it today is descended from the grey wolf. It is thought that the domestic dog originated approximately 15,000 years ago, as wolf packs and humans began to interact more regularly. Those early dogs most likely remained close to humans, scavenging whatever they could. As they became more willing to approach people, they may also have benefitted by receiving more food as people and dogs became used to each other and the dogs were given any unwanted scraps.

These early dogs most likely originated in Eastern Asia. Although the specific dog breeds in existence today typically only date back 150-200 years, there are some breeds that show a closer DNA relationship to their early wolf ancestors than others. Among these are the Siberian Husky, Lhasa Apso, and Basenji.

The process of domestication still remains clouded in mystery, but the benefits of domestication applied to both humans and dogs. Dogs gained more consistent food, better ability to breed, and greater overall security. People gained help in hunting, early warning of strangers or predators, better sanitation through scraps being eaten, and perhaps even added warmth during the cold months.

The Modern Dog

Since that early domestication, dogs have been a constant part of people’s lives and today there are more than 400 million dogs. However, throughout the long relationship between people and dogs, the idea of specific breeding didn’t likely begin until about 500 years ago. Until that point, dogs had travelled and migrated with people, resulting in a great deal of mixed breeding.

As people began to develop specific breeds – and there are now more than 400 different breeds throughout the world, with 161 recognized by the American Kennel Club – they took these mixed dogs and began breeding similar dogs to develop what we now think of as breeds.

It wasn’t until the mid 1900s that dogs really began to be kept primarily as companion dogs. Other than certain small breeds like the Pomeranian, which were bred mainly to be royal companions, most dog breeds were intended to perform some sort of task. Most were for hunting, herding, or guarding, skills necessary in a primarily agrarian society.

There are a number of dog breeds that are still kept as working dogs, but now they are just as likely to be pampered pets. Still, some retain their working characteristics. The Border Collie is a keen herding dog, famous for its high level of intelligence and ability to follow commands while also instinctively keeping the flock under control. In fact, the Border Collie’s inherent need to work makes it difficult to keep purely as a pet.

Because dogs have served specific purposes throughout thousands of years, today’s pampered pooches often display what people think of as bad behavior, because the dog has become bored or unable to follow its instincts. As the dog’s role in the lives of people has changed, it is important for dog owners to keep their dog’s needs in mind. A dog that is used to sniffing out scents to aid in hunting must be given time to indulge in a good sniff when walking. However, that olfactory curiosity means that scent hounds also need to be kept on a leash when outside to ensure that they don’t become lost or fall victim to an accident.

Many dogs are finding new purpose in life by serving as both companion and service dog, aiding people with various disabilities. It seems that for as long as dogs have been living with people, they have been serving or helping us in some form. That kind of dedication deserves respect and should be returned in kind.